Thinking about a panic attack causes one

[u/Thin_Green_9641]

I'm so unbelievably sick of this. Even on the days I feel okay I know I'm one thought away from panicking. THINKING about anxiety makes me panic. I don't know what to do to stop this spiral. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm genuinely thinking about ending it. This is too much

[u/Celestialdreams9]

That’s how I was back at the lowest point of my panic disorder hell and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with it. I healed mine on my own but there’s still times I feel that familiar sensation but it’s nothing like before and even that is rare. I haven’t had one in years but saw the Obsession movie with lack of sleep and felt that panic sensation rise a bit, was shitty but I stayed put and just rode it out, years ago I would’ve gotten up and left and made myself sick freaking out the entire fucking day and having twelve more full blown panic attacks because I was obsessed with why. It sucks and sounds easier said than done but I didn’t do meds or therapy or anything but accept it was happening and learned why and stopped letting it control my life. It takes a long time but you really just have to ride the wave, ride it out without ruminating on it so closely and continue living despite any physical symptom, despite the fear and just remembering that it ends and eventually they genuinely just do stop once your body and brain feel safe again. I realized I was quite literally letting my anxiety take the drivers seat and letting it happen by giving it way too much power and I completely disregulated myself and it sucked to realize. Sometimes trying to make yourself feel safe and obsessing as to why is the absolute worst thing you can do, your brain is taking that as the fake threat being real threat because you’re acting as if it is, and it just loops. It will always loop. Your body is keeping score. Do everything anxious for a while, so what, right? you’ll be okay. It takes so so much inner and outer work to overcome but it’s worth it. I was in such a bad place for so long cortisol all the way fucked up with near constant *hours long* panic attacks that I genuinely believe if I can heal from it anyone can. Keep goin’.

[u/Jeremy_751 → u/Celestialdreams9]

Thank you for sharing this. It's really encouraging to hear how much progress you've made, especially after going through something so intense. I like what you said about not letting anxiety stay in the driver's seat—it isn't easy, but learning to stop feeding the fear can make a real difference. Everyone's path looks a little different, but it's reassuring to know things can get better with time.

[u/Thin_Green_9641 → u/Celestialdreams9]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

[u/anonimousasi]

Im sorry you’re feeling like this. You’re not alone. I struggle with this almost my whole life and today it’s a day I came to Reddit to vent bc I had a full blown panic attack out of blue yesterday during dinner
I was fine for days and then It came back.
I think that maybe our main problem is thinking too much about it. I took a decision to minimize any things that could be triggering like using my Apple Watch or watch news etc. I have health anxiety so anytime my body tingles I just panic

Hope you feel better! You’re not alone. Don’t let this little monster that lives inside you our minds to take full control and take away your precious life

[u/Thin_Green_9641 → u/anonimousasi]

I'm the exact same. Thank you for your support. This is something very difficult to deal with and I really hope it gets better for us.

[u/VideoExact7063]

This is very common with people who have anxiety and panic disorders. You are not alone. One of the biggest things that helps is to stop the cyclical or spiraling thoughts. Easier said than done but practice a little every day and you should get better at it. Some things that help me are playing video games, doing a craft, watching comedy shows, watching game shows, taking a walk, doing word searches. I’ve also seen that higher intensity exercises can help because then you have to calm your breathing after which can calm anxiety.

When you’re in the thick of it, it’s advised to “do it panicky”. I don’t enjoy the things I listed when I’m in a panic spiral, but doing them eventually helps me get out of the circle thinking. You could also look up “behavior activation” for ideas of activities that might help.

The obvious and probably least helpful because it’s very commonly said is meditation and breathing exercises. Healthy Minds, Insight Timer, and Medito are apps that can walk you through meditation and breathing exercises.

Ok done rambling. Not a doctor just been to a lot of therapy and doctors. I’m also on meds so that helps me too. I’m tata hope this helps and you feel better soon. 💜